in progress
A description of the goddess Freja.
text
[excerpt from] Skm ch. 28b
28b.
Hvernig skal Freyju kenna? Sv... | How shall Freyia be referred ... |
[status: unverified copy]
[excerpt from] Skm ch. 40b
40b. Freja
Hvernig skal kenna gull? Sv... | How shall gold be referred to... |
[status: unverified copy]
commentary
context
Skáldskaparmál, which is part of Snorra Edda, was composed in Iceland in the 13th century, and holds the stories of many of the Pre-Christian myths of northern Europe. It is believe to have been composed by the Icelander Snorri Sturlusson. Snorra Edda consists of three separate parts, Gylfaginning, Skaldskápamál and Háttatal, all functioning together as a greater work and guide for the aspiring medieval poet and storyteller.
commentary
Freyja is the most important of the goddesses, daughter of Njörðr, sister of Freyr and represents beauty and fertility. She is a vanir and married to Oðr. Freyja is mentioned throughout the written sources, for example in Gylfaginning 23, Þrymskviða, Lokasenna 30 and Ynglinga Saga 4. She teaches the Æsir the secrets of magic and often called upon in relation to love.
For more, see:
Ellis Davidson, H. R, (1990), Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. London: Penguin Books. pp. 114-125
Simek, Rudolf (2007), Transl: Angela Hall. Dictionary of Northern Mythology. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer. pp. 90-91
Steinsland, Gro (2005), Norrøn Religion. Myter, Riter, Samfunn. Oslo: Pax Forlag. pp. 143-164
(Contributed by Liv Marit Aurdal.)
tags
Main text: Skáldskaparmál
Attributes: Female Fertility Gold Vanir Necklace Necklace Honour Death Goddess Female deity
Named things:
Text sections: SnSt Skm 28bIII SnSt Skm 40bIII